Off-duty Indian River County deputy killed

A popular Indian River correction's officer was shot dead Friday evening while off duty.

According to officials, Indian River County Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy Garry Chambliss suffered a gunshot wound before succumbing to his injuries at the hospital. The 27-year law enforcement veteran was two years away from retirement.

One suspect in the shooting was identified at Makhail Chambliss, 21, a distant relative of Garry. Deputies are still looking for another suspect.

Detectives said Garry was visiting with family. Makhail was in a car near the family gathering when something was thrown at his vehicle. Makhail allegedly opened fire.

When people describe Deputy Chambliss they mention his contagious smile and his sweet personality, which landed him the nickname Kool-Aid.

“Garry was just a people’s person,” described his uncle Michael Chambliss. “World’s most liked officer slash relative, friend and everything.”

Michael said he’s in a tough place mourning the loss of his nephew and coping with the arrest of his son, Makhail.

“I hate that he was there and it led up to my nephew being killed,” said Michael. “I got a little angry with him right now. He just made a bad choice by being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Deputy Chambliss talked to co-worker about buying an RV to travel the world after he retired. He is survived by his two daughters.

“I wouldn’t trade him for nobody. He was friendly to everybody” said Wendy Chambliss, who had just seen her cousin minutes before shots were fired. “We hugged each other. Next five minutes, I went back there, next thing I know I’ve seen my family running to say somebody is shooting. They say them bullets were hitting the gate like popcorn.”

Michael said he had yet to talk to his son and he’s still processing what happened to his family.

“I’m deeply torn. It’s just hurting me bad,” Michael said. “Both sides of the family - one gone and one in worst. Don’t know how he’s going to come out with this.”

Authorities believe Deputy Chambliss was shot by accident and that the bullet came from somebody who was shooting at the car Makhail was firing.

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